What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Attorney Training & Recruitment position at Defender Association of Philadelphia?
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The Director of Attorney Training and Recruitment is responsible for identifying, planning, facilitating, and assessing training for attorneys and legal interns, as well as any other trainings that may become necessary. Training will include training any new classes of Defenders, as well as handling trainings for the rotational units at the Defender, as needed. The job includes coordinating the Defender webinar training series by identifying topics and presenters that will benefit Defender staff and provide CLE credits to attorneys. The recruitment aspects of the job involve collaborating with the Deputy Defender to travel to law schools creating pipelines for excellent attorneys to enter our new classes, as well as facilitating the interview process for our attorneys and legal interns. Coordinates with the Deputy Defender to recruit for summer intern classes as well as training summer interns.
What You’ll Do
- Identify, plan, assess and facilitate training for attorneys and staff that are designed to enhance their knowledge and skills, are client focused, and rooted in the Defender Mission Statement and Core Values
- Train Defender classes of attorneys and/or lateral attorneys who are hired throughout the year by creating syllabi.
- Create a training plan for the year that involves necessary trainings for each rotational unit at the Defender with the unit
- Conduct weekend CLE trainings and “Bring Your Own Case” trainings when needed
- Stay apprised of current case law, courtroom activity at the Criminal Justice Center, latest forensic science updates and other issues so that training may be modified when needed
- Maintain communication with the Director Social Work Training and Director of DEI to help facilitate office training when needed
- Maintain CLE accreditation with PA CLE Board and be knowledgeable about all PA CLE requirements for both individual attorneys and providers of both in-person and distance CLE programs
- Be knowledgeable about the requirements of the PA Code of Professional Responsibility and develop training to ensure attorneys are properly prepared to protect their licenses to practice law in Pennsylvania
- Be the point of contact for attorneys’ training needs and questions
- Along with Deputy Defender, maintain a robust recruitment strategy to identify diverse, skilled, dedicated, and talented attorneys and legal interns to join the Defender
- Establish ongoing positive professional relationships with law schools across the nation, and maintain existing relationships with the local law schools
- Participate in in-person and virtual career fairs and On-Campus Recruiting/Interviewing events
- Be the point person for coordinating the office’s legal recruitment efforts and events
- Travel when needed to law schools across the country to recruit a diverse, skilled class of attorneys and interns
- Create syllabus and train summer interns, as well as train any other legal interns as needed and develop a rotation schedule and check points
What You’ll Need
- Juris Doctor degree and admission to the PA Bar
- Minimum 5 years Defender experience
- Completed Jury Demand rotation
- Significant knowledge of the law and procedures in the representation of Defender clients
- Previous development and implementation of training curricula, preferred.
- Experience in or demonstrated interest in training, teaching or mentoring
- Skilled in public speaking with an ability to engage others and present information to various audiences
- Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with staff
- Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills
- Expert use of Microsoft Office and presentation tools
- Ability to maintain confidentiality consistent with HR policy and procedure
- Ability to work extended hours and weekends when needed
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
- Must be able to travel to various academic institutions and community events
To apply
Please apply online with resume and cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience.
Benefits & Perks
- Very generous and rich benefits plan with vision, dental, life insurance and long term disability
- Substantial paid time off (35 days of PTO plus all federal holidays)
- Six weeks of paid parental leave
- 403 (b) retirement savings with Employer Match
- Free Septa All Access Key card
- Meaningful & Impactful Work
- Ongoing Training and Development of You
Who is the Defender Association?
The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We’re the community’s lawyers. The Defender team – more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff – make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Follow us @PhilllyDefenders (Twitter, Instagram & TikTok) and on LinkedIn.
The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
